livestock from unarmed Bari villagers. Such myopic behavior had never been

experience in Central Equatoria State especially the Bari speaking group who

had been intermarrying among themselves and living together in harmony since

time immemorial - should it be in times of happiness, sorrow or difficulty.

We are all cognizant of the fact that, when Clement Wani Konga, the former

militia commander, now governor of Central Equatoria State decided to make

use of those illiterate and ill-informed Mundari militia, it was for a genuine reason

of protecting the Mundari locals from atrocities such as killing and raping that

they were subjected to by the SPLA soldiers in the Mundari land during the war.

When they decided to do that instead of joining the SPLA, it was their choice just

like the choice that every community had during those times of liberation

struggle. With that determination, no body ever referred to them as the Jalaba

puppet for the reason that, protecting the community is a natural right bestowed

to any by the creator and that can not be question especially if there is no organ

in place to offer such a protection.

Now that Comprehensive Peace Agreement has came into play and the thread

they had is now minimal, why are they turning against the law abiding Bari

fellows who considered Mundari as brothers, neighbors, in-laws and comrades in

struggle? If the war moral is still high, we have true enemies like the LRA that

can be dealt with all around Equatoria especially in the Western Equatoria State

instead of turning against fellow Bari speaker or Equatorians.

Surprisingly enough, such atrocities have taken place at the time that, their

commander, Governor Clement Wani Konga was in Kampala, Uganda when the

fighting started and according to some confirmed sources, he had been

maliciously evasive and refused to talk to the Bari leaders by arrogantly saying,

“he doesn’t care about the fighting or attempt to stop the fighting.” On his way

back from Kampala, he was known to have gone to Yei at the time that the war is

raging in Jebel Lado.

If those allegations are true or not, the citizen or CES in particular and concern

Southern Sudanese in general should at least see him canceling his trips to help

quell the war between the two sister tribes from escalating further; amicably

resolve it, and further help remedy the situation on the ground as it is always an

action that needs to be taken by any leader. This alone shows some highest level

of incompetency in his governorship and the Bari community would like to see

the parliament of CES summon governor Clement Wani Konga and make him

answerable to the current incident being brought about by his ill-informed militia.

On the other hand, investigation committee need to be formed immediately to

investigate the root cause of such primitive behavior in our state; and those who

are responsible for instigating such a havoc to be brought to justice. Furthermore,

the Government of Southern Sudan intelligent organ should also investigate the

allegations circling around that, the Arabs have been dropping containers full of

military supplies around Trekeka in Mundari Hinterland to be used to destabilize

the South. Given the fact that, Governor Clement Wani Konga was a Jabala

stooge himself, such allegation can not be far from truth.

Last but not least, The Bari Community in Diaspora strongly demand the

immediate cessation of the fighting and unconditional withdrawal of the Mundari

Melitia from Jebel Lado so as to bring the current situation and stand off to an

end and let the poor Bari displaced locals go back to their own village; others

wise, the community will have no option but face the Mundari militia militarily with

full admittance that

“ twan aje po” or death has come.

Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy goes to the families who have

lost the two members in the hands of those barbaric militia. May the almighty

father rest their soul in eternal peace and strengthen all the community members

in this difficult time – especially those who have to run for their lives ending up

being displaced from their own places.

Sincerely,

Mr. Cosmas Kujjo – Chairman, Bari Community Worldwide

Mr. Justin Demetry – Secretary General, Bari Community Worldwide

MURA LOPIT BOMA COMMUNITY IN JUBA

MURA LOPIT BOMA COMMUNITY IN JUBA

LOPA COUNTY, EASTERN EQUATORIA STATE

SOUTHERN SUDAN

Date: January 9, 2009

To: H. E Governor,

Eastern Equatoria State, Torit

Southern Sudan

Subject: Petition on the Incidence as from 26th through 29 December 2008 at Mura Lopit Boma

Your Excellency,

We the members of the above Boma residing in Juba, deeply regrets with deep sorrow deadly incidence which occurred in our Boma on December 27, 2009 resulting to the death of ten (10) people from Tenet Community.

That incidence has been a stocky one to us, the people of Mura Lopit Boma here in Juba. We therefore strongly condemn such evil act.

It is unfortunate that in the very incidence, the following people from Mura Lopit Boma were also killed and they are:

Nartisio Lodwa Amanya A policeman

Robert Leidur Ausilio Chief guard

Those wounded:

Bartholomeo Lomuduk

Joseph Abalu

Lamanya Karleto

Those Missing ones till now:

Alexander Lolika

Lohoya Mayaa

Cattle Raided: Over 259 heads

Your Excellency,

This incidence of December 27, 2008, has reminded us of another horrible, inhumane and very sad one which our Boma has experienced nearly five years ago. In October 2004, nine (9) innocent women from Mura Lopit alone were butchered in the farming field, one man wounded and a child abducted.

Besides killing of individuals, cattle raiding have been also frequent in this Boma.

We are also regretting that cases of killing have not been handled properly by the local government authorities in the area. For example; a criminal is caught and handed to the authorities, but a few days, the criminal is released without trail. Even some of the criminals/killers who murdered people in the area had been recruited into the security organs of the state for their individual self-defense.

Your Excellency,

Through this letter, we are appealing to you to consider the following seriously:

A thorough and proper investigation of the root causes of this incidence which resulted to the death of many people and many more wounded (from 26 through 29 December 2008 and the loss of 259 heads of cattle).

No politician or an individual should anticipate a verdict against any suspect or criminal as they have no mandate except by the court of law (Interim Constitution of southern Sudan-Bill of Rights Acts 18 and 22).

REASONS:

Allegations from the area (LOPA County) that the attack on Mura Lopit Boma was a coordinated plan by the 17 villages from Northern Lopit, according to reliable sources from the area.

It also underlined that the County Commissioner, Mr Luka Aribok was aware and well informed of the plot/ affair.

Mr. Commissioner was also informed about the raid of 259 heads of cattle on December 23, 2008. However, he never gave any heed or no action was taken, but rather turning a blind eye.

There are further allegations that Mr. Aribok’s vehicles were ferrying guns and ammunitions or bullets to those 17 villages of Northern Lopit, arming them to the tooth in order to fight Mura Lopit Boma. The Commissioner’s vehicles were even transporting the fighters to the border area with the Mura Lopit Boma.

Harassing and intimidating the people of Mura Lopit Boma has become the order of the day in the county Headquarters-Imehejek arresting any person old or young hailing from the Mura Lopit Boma, although he/she is not among the suspects who killed the Tenets.

The military contingents dispatched to the area to rescue the situation and stop the war are concentrating on the results of the killing, while ignoring the root causes of the problem. They are also reported to be favouring one side (the wing backed by Mr. Commissioner Aribok.

Those suspects from Mura Lopit Boma involved in the killing of ten (10) Tenets are currently in Imehejek town where Mr. Commissioner resides and they are under:

Severe torture and mistreatment which leads to lack of humanity. The suspects are denied access to water, food, toilet and all other human needs.

There is fear that those prisoners might perish or die in the hands of Mr. Commissioner before the actual trial (Legal procedures)

It is also reported that one of the suspects from Mura Lopit village has committed suicide by handing himself to death ( Loturo Angelo Iholong) and two (2) others are missing. This is unfair and unjust.

Your Excellency,

The people of Mura Lopit Boma had never picked quarrelled with the Tenet Community before rather they used to be allies in the area for long period of time. We marry from them and they do from us. We share issues of mutual cooperation including mobilization of chiefs and indigenous population on national issues e.g a return of the Lopit people to the SPLA/M after the 1991-1994 split in the movement.

It was the chiefs and the leaders of the two Bomas who came up with that initiative and reconcile the whole Lopit area with our late Hero, Dr. John Garang de Mabior.

Your Excellency,

We therefore appeal to you as the leader of the state that:

Proper investigation is to be carried out. No favouritism of anybody and all the findings be exposed

All criminals who took part in the killing, raiding and an investigation of the fighting be brought to justice so that others learn. For no one is above the law.

We humbly request your office to put more efforts that will lead to the reconciliation between our people in those Bomas, so that there is peace and stability in LOPA County and our state at large. This will also prepare the ground for the forthcoming national elections and referendum in 2011.

Your Excellency,

We trust you will do your best to arrest the situation.

Thanks

Signed on behalf of Mura Lopit Boma Community in Juba:

1. Ustaz Eliseo Oyani Isaac Chairman

2. Apolo Lemor Yomok V/Chairman

3. John Akaba Orwasa Member

4. Ustaz William Joseph Lemor “ “

5. Anjelo Joseph Lemor “ “

6. Chief Primo Abahala Odiongo “ “

Cc: H.E Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development-GOSS

Cc: H.E Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Security-GOSS

Cc: H.E. Deputy Governor Eastern Equatoria State, Torit

Cc: Advisor to the Governor on Security Affairs, Eastern Equatoria State

Arrow Boys can not defeat Kony,Can President Kiir get involved in the defence of this

agricultural centre in South Sudan. President Charles Kisanga of SPLM/A Patriotic had cautioned the people of WES.

Press Release – 26th March 2009

LRA Ambush in Ezo kills two motor cyclists

Zande community world-wide Organisation head office in London is getting reports of an attack by LRA terrorists on two motor cyclists in the Ezo County which killed the two bikers. The attack is said to have happen yesterday, 25th March 2009 during the day.

The two friends who died were said to be riding their motor bike from Andari towards Biki stream when they were shot at by LRA gunmen hiding in the bushes. The bullets hit the two and knocking them off their motor-bikes and LRA terrorists rushed to take their possessions while placing the bodies of the fallen friends beneath the motorbike and setting it alight and leaving the bodies under the motor-bike on the road to burn, before they fled. One of those who died according to the family is Mr Batista Barnaba. His companion also from Ezo is yet to be named.

In the past month there has been continuous reported sightings of LRA in many parts of Western Equatoria and recently there were reports of them appearing in Sakure Payam not far from Yambio while in Ezo their presence has not been that far and two weeks ago WES Self defence groups searched and found an LRA camp in Andari which they destroyed and killed 3 LRA terrorists while the LRA also attacked a village nearby killing 12 people. Even with concerted efforts by the Self Defence groups to keep LRA far away from villages, the elusive LRA are always hiding in the forests ready to spring on innocent victims any time they get a chance.

Motor cyclists are especially very vulnerable because unlike a car which may carry police escort and offer some protection; many motor cyclists travel alone or with one passenger for their small businesses such as taxi hire or carrying small loads of goods.

Zande community world-wide leaders are calling on WES youth to take extra precaution if they want to travel by motor-bikes in the remote areas of Western Equatoria from Maridi up to Tambura and towards the boarder areas of Congo DR and CAR as LRA bandits can appear anywhere any time around the roads in a hit and run tactics in order to snatch a few food items and then dash back into the forests.

Charles Kisanga

Eng. Kisanga is former SPLM NLC member and chairman of Western Equatoria Azande Community World-Wide Organisation. Eng. Kisanga also heads the new SPLM/A Patriotic Organisation which is advocating for change in SPLM. He can be reached on cbkisanga@yahoo. co.uk, Tel: +44-770899 8373

Subject: Mr. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth should be removed and relocated to another GOSS Mission.

1st Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit Jan, 5, 2009

First Vice-president of the Republic of Sudan

President of the Government of South Sudan

Chairman of the SPLM

C-in-C of the SPLA

Juba, South Sudan

Subject: Mr. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth should be removed and relocated to another GOSS Mission

Dear Your Excellency,

First and foremost, we congratulate Your Excellency for the successful celebration of the 4th anniversary of the CPA in Malakal, Upper Nile State, organized by a competent and experienced Governor, Major General Gatluak Deng. The leadership skills of Gov. Gatluak Deng are unquestionable. He demonstrated visionary leadership when he was the President of Coordinating Council for South Sudan (CCSS).

In spite of the unfortunate incident which occurred during the celebration between the Shilluk and Dinka communities, the Nuer Seniors and Intellectual community in the U.S. thought that the 4th anniversary celebration is a success and has signaled the beginning of implementing your vision to develop the South. This being said, we would even attribute the success of the whole celebration to your wise leadership for working closely with that able and experienced governor, who used his leadership skills and experience to make the celebration a success. Your competent leadership is envied by the enemies of the South who always wish us to fail to justify enslavement of our people.

On a serious note, it is this issue of experience and competency that we would like to emphasize if most of GOSS’s programs, projects and policies are going to see the light of the day by way of instituting the right people in the right positions. It is about time now that Your Excellency should be serious in looking for experienced people to implement GOSS’s policies. We are now in our 5th year heading towards the end of the six year transitional period as it is clearly and unambiguously stipulated in the CPA. Unfortunately, some of the GOSS Representatives abroad, particularly those in Western World, appear to have not done much to impress South Sudan friends and to disprove skeptics, pessimists and foes who claim that we cannot manage our own affairs should the people of the South opt for a separate nationhood in the coming year.

For the last four years, the Nuer community in the U.S. has been deeply concerned about the way the GOSS Mission to U.S.A. is being run. We were delighted in 2005 when you appointed a Nuer as the Chief Representative to Washington, D.C. although most of us voiced concerns about the citizenship of Mr. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth. Unfortunately, after four years as we predicted, Mr. Ezekiel Lol is completely detached from Nuer community, other South Sudan communities as well as marginalized Sudanese residing in the U.S. Our only encounter with him is when he is spreading false rumors about the way the leadership of the GOSS is dealing with their own personnel, that is, military and political leaders regarding their assignments, elimination and retirements.

One of the most disturbing, dangerous and misleading military information which Mr. Ezekiel Lol has been spreading in certain circles of Nuer community is that the deputy C-in-C of the SPLA, 2nd Lt. Gen. Paulino Matip, has been stripped of his duties recently by the SPLA White Paper passed into law in November, 2008. Mr. Gatkuoth went as far as telling members of the community that Matip should not be deemed as having any influence in the South because President Kiir made sure that his forces of Juba Declaration were dispersed to different units rendering him functionless and therefore less important in terms of military hierarchy. He further emphasized that the position Matip is holding is irrelevant and was designed to accommodate him until his retirement.

Your Excellency,

What disturbs the conscience of our community is that the GOSS Representative has been very candid that what he has been saying is what your leadership had actually planned to deal with Paulino Matip. We know that whatever comes out of his mouth is subject to verification and we are morally obliged to write this letter to you in order to caution this careless GOSS Representative who pays no regard to the consequences this information may engender. We also felt obliged to know whether you authorized him to disseminate such information to public with full knowledge of the drawbacks such information could cause in terms of maintaining peace in the South, particularly, the relationship between the Nuer and Dinka.

Your Excellency,

We are fully aware that you are in regular contact with your deputy C-in-C and our community is satisfied that both of you have personal understanding regarding issues of military affairs in the South. We are surprised and totally flabbergasted to hear from Ezekiel Lol that a plan was already put in place to render Paulino Matip functionless. Members of our community are wondering when did Ezekiel Lol become SPLA intelligence officer who could be informed or briefed about such a military secret which could logically be confined to circles of high military officers if at all the plan exists.

We would like to know the responsibilities of the GOSS Representative to U.S. whether they include disseminating information which could incite certain tribal communities against the GOSS. If the job of a GOSS Representative is to carry out the policies of the Ministry of Regional Cooperation (MRC) as prescribed by the Council of Ministers of the GOSS, then the Nuer community is profoundly disturbed to see Ezekiel Lol engaging himself in spreading rumors which may not advance the policies of the GOSS. Do the GOSS Representatives abroad report to Minister of Regional Cooperation or do they have a direct line with you the President of the GOSS? Does Ezekiel Lol report to Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin or to you directly? If he has a direct line with you, what information did you tell him to disseminate to the communities in the U.S? Is he under your orders to disseminate misleading information regarding who will be reshuffled out, eliminate from the leadership or drop by you from the cabinet? Is he supposed to inform the public with positive image of the GOSS which we do not see him doing? Did you empower him to intimidate the Nuers that refusal to knell down before him may lead members of our community not to get jobs in the GOSS because he alleged to have a direct link with you the President?

Your Excellency,

As far as our community is concerned, we thought that GOSS Offices abroad should be run by experienced people who have high caliber, academic and diplomatic skills in dealing with foreign governments and Diaspora communities. We don’t expect somebody with limited experience and knowledge of South Sudan to head such important office in Washington. Besides, there is a diplomatic tradition that if a person is posted abroad for four years, s/he is supposed to be returned home or transferred to head a diplomatic mission in another country. We as a community felt that Mr. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth has overstayed his assignment and according to the rules of Regional Cooperation should be transferred elsewhere or returned to head-quarter in Juba to gain home experience. We are aware that there are many GOSS’s offices in Europe and Africa where he should be located to continue serving our country.

Your Excellency,

We believe that the Ministry of Regional Cooperation, in conjunction with your office, should seriously consider our appeal of transferring him to another Liaison Office. Our community is embarrassed with the way he is running the GOSS Mission to U.S.A. His behavior and attitude, let alone spreading lies attributed to your office, have already compelled your supporters to lose faith in the GOSS and have withdrawn quietly to themselves.

For the last four years, the Nuer community has been under immense pressure from other marginalized communities to distance itself from somebody like Ezekiel Lol who has reduced the morale of SPLM’s members in the U.S. to only 20%. Of course, there are times that Nuer community should be expected to rise above narrow tribal sentiments and distance itself from such a character. You need to know that Mr. Ezekiel Lol deals with only limited members of the SPLM who adore him or flatter him incessantly because he feels insecure knowing that he is not a true citizen of the South. He began practicing nepotism since 2005 and those he embraces are only from his clan who are geographically Ethiopian Nuers. With the exception of only one person, all the Nuer personnel of the GOSS Mission to U.S.A. are Ethiopian Nuers who are not legally qualified to vote for you in the coming election. You are aware that the Election Act passed into law last year by the National Legislative Assembly says that for a person to qualify as a voter he/she should have a valid identity card or a letter from a chief. The Chief that can testify to know Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth is an Ethiopian Nuer who cannot write a letter to Electoral Commission of Sudan unless Sudan and Ethiopia have recently been united as one country.

Your Excellency,

The Nuers in the U.S. started to question the wisdom of empowering an Ethiopian Nuer to have access to national secrets of the South without caution. We advised you against appointing him in 2005 because the Nuers who were killed fighting for freedom of our people would feel embarrassed to be represented by a foreigner. Dr. John Garang knew that Ezekiel lol was not a Sudanese Nuer but welcomed his contribution to South Sudan liberation. If all the friends of South Sudan struggle throughout the World should be appointed as GOSS Representatives before acquiring citizenship, the people of the South might begin to question the benefits of our liberation. In this case, it could have made more sense to appoint Mr. Roger Winters as GOSS Representative to U.S.A. because he made far greater contribution than Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth to military success of the SPLM/A in the 1990s when the enemy was almost close to wipe out the Movement.

Your Excellency,

The fundamental reason of writing this letter is about this misleading information concerning your deputy C-in-C. Is it true that Paulino Matip is redundant as Ezekiel Lol alleged? If Mr. Ezekiel Lol is correct as he claims to have direct link with you on a daily basis, did you officially communicate such a thing to Paulino Matip who has been getting such misleading information from the community? If the answer is no, where did Ezekiel Lol get information which he attributed to you? As such rumors are disturbing our community; we would highly appreciate if you give us the correct briefing as members of the SPLM who fully support your leadership. That is the purpose of our letter because Ezekiel Lol has been making references to you directly; otherwise, we could have written a letter to Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

The other issue is the impression conveyed to the community by Ezekiel Lol. The GOSS Representative made an impression to us that he deals directly with you as if Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin is his junior when it comes to policies of the GOSS. According to protocol known to civilized persons, we would expect the GOSS Representative to be close with his Minister and any information he disseminates in the U.S. should originate from the office of Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin. He should not attribute his sources to your office as if to demonstrate undue influence because it is the office of Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin that could deal with the presidency directly. We may be wrong in assuming it that way and would like your office to tell us the job description of Ezekiel Lol. In the U.S. government machinery, the only diplomat that has direct link with the American President is U.S. Ambassador to U.N. This is because the position of UN Ambassador was elevated to a rank of Minister. Our community would like to know when you appointed Ezekiel Lol as a Minister who should have direct link with you and may bypass the Ministry of Regional Cooperation headed by Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

Your Excellency,

Our community is disturbed by the wanton disregard to the consequences of spreading rumors that may return our people to dark period of the 1990s. Of course, Ezekiel Lol has nothing to lose because his family members are Ethiopians who currently reside in Gambella region. Should Nuers and Dinkas return to tribal war like in the 1990s, his mother will not be affected. But we the Sudanese Nuers whose mothers and fathers would fall victims of any tribal war would seriously advise you again to relocate him to Juba where he has to undergo legal processes of acquiring Sudanese citizenship. We think that the whole SPLA is an army of Paulino Matip and there is no reason for people like Ezekiel to spread false rumors that Paulino Matip is being stripped of his duties. The SPLA White Paper states that the deputy C-in-C should become C-in-C in your absence. The functions enumerated for C-in-C are also the same functions of the deputy C-in-C. But Ezekiel has limited academic background to understand the language of a statute or an Act of parliament.

Your Excellency,

Once again, thank you for your tireless effort to achieve the objective of our people and all the marginalized Sudanese who yearn for the creation of New Sudan. We once more pledge our full support to your leadership and are always at your service whenever you need us. We have been telling the whole World that your leadership has united the South for the first time in our history since the independence of Sudan in 1956.

We the Tennet, dwelling in Arilo Payam would like to take this immense opportunity to greet you warmly and express our profound gratitude to you for having led Eastern Equatoria State well.

Your Excellency,

The objective of our Movement, SPLM/A is to achieve equality, freedom, democracy, justice, development , human right and prosperity for all the Sudanese to improve their living condition, regardless of religion, color and ethnicity. Indeed, the Movement strived to attain the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, CPA which was signed on 9-1-2005 in Nairobi, Kenya, for all the masses in the Sudan in general and Southern Sudan in particular to live in peace, love, co-existence, prosperity and unity among themselves and their neighbours. As a result of this accord, many Sudanese citizens always enjoy dividends or benefit and commend the Agreement as the base for eradicating marginalization and malpractices among the citizens of Southern Sudan in general and in this matter, LOPA county in particular. It is our hope and prayer that Sudan will be completely transformed, socially, politically, economically and educationally.

However, the other citizens in our State still indulge themselves in doing evil things which have resulted in the violation of the CPA.

Your Excellency, we wish to give you the details of the incident that took place in Mura Lopit. On 27/12/2008, two Government Cars which were going to Imehejek, the Headquarters of the LOPA County from Arilo Payam for normal duties, were ambushed and ten (10) Tennet people got killed in cold blood. The decimation was only planned for Tennet because of bearing a different identity as Tennet tribe. To make the matter clear, 3 policemen of Lopit origin, from Imehejek, Ihirang and Lohutok were selected from the cars and left alive. Among the ten killed Tennet, four drivers, one policeman, three prison warders, one teacher and one student. They were brutally murdered and their heads were split, private parts were cut and inserted in their mouths. In addition to that, their bodies were dismembered, treated inhuman beyond human recognition. This is unacceptable behavior, barbaric act.

Your Excellency, this is the first kind of atrocities inflicted on us by our neighbors. It seems this move has elements of infiltrating the spirit of ethnic cleansing in Lopit Mountain. We the Tennet people are peace lovers respecting human dignity, living with the neighbours peacefully and encouraging unity in diversity in our surroundings.

During the chieftainship of Clement Afira, from Mura Lopit, we were living with Mura Lopit peacefully, trading together and intermarried. But, we are disheartened with what they did and the entire Community of Tennet is confounded with the appalling news of the death of 10 Tennet sons. To us, Mura Lopits were good people; we had strong relationship with them. If the wrong elements in their village have brought chaos and halted the relationship signed by our forefathers, we are strongly recommending that justice must prevail in this situation. At this juncture, we urge your Government to look into this case for better solution so that there will see no more violation.

We shall reconcile and live peacefully with Mura Lopit if the following will be done:

1-The culprits should be executed in presence of the families of the late

2-Logonowati and Lohobohobo case has to be solved separately not combining with criminal act

3-The judgment of the apprehended culprits should be finished in Imehejek, not Torit

4-The salary of Tennet who are working in Imehejek should be taken to Arilo

5-We shall not be part of LOPA County if the culprits will be set free

6- Form truth and reconciliation committee to dig the root cause and come up with possible solution, this should comprise of peace loving people

Reports from the Youth and villagers in Yambio spoke of more LRA attacks in the villages and road to Juba. The so called Ugandan Lords Resistance Army (LRA) have continued to loot properties and abduct people in Western Equatoria State (WES) as they continue their rampage ignited via the 14th December 2008, allied attack on their bases in Congo DR Garamba Forest.

Filtered reports say many villagers all over WES counties have been abducted and others killed. Further at least 2 cars had been looted and burned on the Yambio – Yei - Juba around Rasolo and Tore in the past three days. Attacks on the main lifeline road to Juba and Uganda effectively mean that Western Equatoria is being cut off by LRA rebel attacks. If all the stories are to be believed as also can be collaborated from other news sources then at least twenty people have been killed in the last week alone since my press release on the 8th put the really death toll at over 100 all over Western Equatoria counties from Dec 20, 2008 to January 8th 2009.

Now hundreds of students and pupils from Western Equatoria who study in Uganda and went from Uganda to WES for Christmas vacation are effectively being stranded by the road attacks and blockade just when they are supposed to go back and resume studies around February 1st 2009. The plight of these students also affects the chairman here directly since he also sponsors a number of relatives and other WES students studying in Uganda. Some rich from the Southern Sudan Government and other NGOs are now preparing to fly their children out of WES to Uganda then risk them being ambushed by LRA on the road to Yei and onto to Uganda; but what about the poor ones who cannot afford the plane fair of about $350 per person?

Some officials may like to deny the fact of the lifeline road being blocked but when the chances of falling victim to LRA ambush on the road reaches 50% or so then it is just not worth trying to make the perilous journey unless under heavy military escort. The lives of human beings cannot just be betted like a lottery and there must be a clear message from the Government whether the road from WES to Yei is safe or not and whether military escort has to be initiated in order get people to and out of WES.

Charles B. Kisanga M.Sc, MIET

Eng. Kisanga is former SPLM NLC member and chairman of Western Equatoria Azande Community World-Wide Organisation. Mr Kisanga also heads the new SPLM Patriotic body to effect positive change in South Sudan in 2009 .He can be reached on cbkisanga@yahoo.co.uk, Tel: +44-770899 8373

MANY KILLED IN MALAKAL INCCIDENT,COUNCIL CONDEMNED IT.

UPPER NILE STATE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS CONDEMNS MALAKAL INNCIDENT .

"I would like to send a clear message to such individuals that days of blackmailing and manipulation of facts have gone and people of Sudan shall not allow such practices to continue again". Said President of GOSS Lt.General Kiir

KEYNOTE SPEECH OF H. E. GEN. SLAVA KIIR MAYARDIT, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN AND PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SOUTHERN SUDAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBERATIONS OF THE 4TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE CPA IN MALAKAL ON FRIDAY 9TH JANUARY 2009

H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit

Your Excellency, Field Marshal Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, President of the Republic of the Sudan and Chairman of the National Congress Party (NCP).

·Your Excellency, Major General Gatluak Deng, Governor of Upper Nile State ,

·Your Excellencies, Advisors and Ministers from GONU, GOSS and the States,

·Leaders of other Political Parties,

·Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and Representatives of the International Community in the Sudan ,

·Our Development Partners,

·Members of the National, Southern Sudan , and State Legislatures,

·Religious Leaders,

·Distinguished Guests,

·Fellow Citizens of Upper Nile State ,

·Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this great occasion of the Fourth Anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) celebrations, I would like to welcome you all to this great city of Malakal in Upper Nile State . Your presence here today in great numbers is testimony and a clear expression that the people of Sudan have chosen the CPA as the only option and path to the realization of lasting peace in the country. Rightly so because this peace is a result of great sacrifices of our martyrs from both sides of the conflict, on top of who is our great Leader and Hero, Dr. John Garang De Mabior. Before I proceed to share with you my reflections on the experiences of the past four years, I kindly request that we stand up and pay homage to Dr. John Garang De Mabior, all our fallen martyrs, whose sacrifices will not be in vain (silence of 2 minutes).

Fellow citizens, four years after the signing of the CPA on 9th January 2005 in our sisterly country’s capital Nairobi , we have witnessed greater hope for a just and lasting peace in the Sudan . The commitment and determination to sustain the peace is well reflected in the way the NCP and SPLM handled their differences during the process of CPA implementation. We hope the two parties will remain committed to the same spirit of dialogue throughout the rest of the years of the Interim Period.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me also to take this great opportunity to welcome the chief guest of this occasion, H.E Field Marshall Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir, President of the Republic and his high level delegation from Government of National Unity. Mr. President, your presence to grace this anniversary signifies yet your personal commitment for the realization of lasting peace in the Sudan . I have no doubt that Your Excellency shares my personal commitment too for the full implementation of the CPA. Thus, on behalf of the government and people of Southern Sudan and the people of Upper Nile State in particular, my brother Bashir, you are most welcome to this beautiful part of the country, Malakal.

Similarly, I would like to sincerely thank the people of Malakal for the warm reception, and congratulate H.E. Governor Gatluak Deng and members of his Government for accepting to host the CPA Anniversary celebrations in Malakal this year 2009. My appreciation also goes to the CPA Anniversary Organizing Committee for well done work and for making this event successful and colourful.

To you all present here today, I warmly greet all the women, students, youth, traditional dancers, religious leaders, representatives of government institutions, civil society, the army and other organized forces and indeed the citizens of Malakal, whose sons and daughters contributed significantly during the struggle. At this juncture, allow me to pay special tribute to heroes and heroines from Upper Nile State who paid the ultimate sacrifice … (President to give a few names …)

Let me also take this opportunity to thank the IGAD countries and the Friends of IGAD ( USA , Norway , UK , Italy and Netherlands ) for the great role they have played to bring peace in the Sudan and by continuing to play the role of sustaining it. I have just returned from a visit to USA to convey our profound appreciation for the role played by President Bush and US Government in the conclusion and implementation of the CPA. I also met with the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and the President of the World Bank Ambassador Robert Zoellick to appreciate as well their efforts in maintaining peace and provision of peace dividends to the people of Sudan .

I met also in Nairobi on my way back to Malakal the former President of Kenya, President Daniel Arap Moi, to thank him as well for his outstanding role in the conclusion of CPA. I would like to seize this opportunity to thank all UN agencies, all our development partners and NGOs for supporting our efforts of providing services and improving the living conditions of our people.

Mr. President and Distinguished Guests,

This anniversary is indeed an occasion to reflect on the past and look with hope into the future. As we all know, the peace we are experiencing today would have not been possible without the ultimate sacrifices made by our people and in particular the patience and leadership shown by the NCP and SPLM. I would like to particularly single out the leading figures whose immense energies and commitment brought about the CPA - our comrade Late Leader and Hero Dr John Garang De Mabior and my colleague Ustaz Ali Osman Taha, Vice President of the Republic and their negotiation teams. It took them a pregnancy of more than two babies to deliver the CPA, thus, they deserve to be honoured in this occasion.

Fellow Citizens,

Even though the CPA came as a result of many years of bitter conflict in our country, countless losses of lives and enormous human suffering, peace would not have been possible without the political will and courage of the leaders of the two leading parties, the NCP and SPLM. Thus, I equally kindly request you to join me in commending the courage of our President, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and his colleagues in the NCP Leadership for taking a bold step to end one of Africa ’s longest and devastating conflicts. The NCP and SPLM parties will be remembered in this country as insignias of peace for generations to come. We all stand here as living witnesses to the benefits of peace in this country.

I, therefore, call upon my brother President Bashir to join me in reaffirming our commitment to the people of the Sudan during this 4th Anniversary that as leaders charged with the responsibility of implementing the CPA, we recommit ourselves that we shall never and never ever take this country back to war! We have come a long way since the signing of the CPA in 2005, and each of us knows that this journey has not always been smooth but nevertheless it has been peaceful but also bumpy. Through the political will and determination of both the NCP and SPLM, we have managed to cover a long distance. However, our people will be keen to know the actual distance covered so far in terms of the status and progress of CPA implementation. Thus, in a great occasion like this one, I am compelled to highlight some of the key areas that have remained to pose challenge.

Mr. President and Distinguished Guests,

For the last three years, the NCP and SPLM were deadlocked over the implementation of the Abyei Protocol as NCP decided to reject the ABC Experts Report contrary to the provisions of CPA. However, in June 2008, the SPLM and NCP signed the Abyei Road Map that provided the parties with mechanisms for the implementation of Abyei Protocol. In this Road Map the parties agreed to refer their differences over ABC Experts report to a final and binding arbitration through Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague . This time round, the international community and people of Sudan will again be watching the two parties of whether they will respect the final decision of Abyei arbitration.

The other area of concern is the demarcation of the North-South Border as it is critical for the general elections, sharing of oil revenue and the exercise of the right of self-determination in 2011. I am confident that we will be able to have the work on the North-South border demarcation finalized before the conduct of general elections this year. We hope that we will not reach the deadlock over the demarcation of the North-South border and to end up again in The Hague as is the case of Abyei boundaries. We should have a political will and courage to resolve our own problem in a Sudanese way.

In May 2008, in spite of difference over its preparation, the 5th Population Census was finally conducted peacefully with great dissatisfaction, particularly when two questions of ethnicity and religion were deliberately dropped out from the census questionnaire. Given the difference over the conduct of the population census, we need to look for a mechanism to manage the population census results and ensure a consensus around such results. I call upon the National Population Census Council and Southern Sudan Population Census Council to build a common consensus over the results of the census prior to their presentation to the Presidency.

In fact, what raised anxiety is the fact that even prior to the official declaration of the results of census, statements have been released even from responsible staff in Central Bureau of Statistics that projected Southern Sudan to be less than a third of the country’s population. This is dangerous and it is a clear attempt to concoct and rig the results and I would like to send a clear message to such individuals that days of blackmailing and manipulation of facts have gone and people of Sudan shall not allow such practices to continue again.

Fellow Citizens:

As we prepare ourselves for the conduct of the general elections in 2009, the conduct of the referendum for the people of Southern Sudan and Abyei in 2011 and popular consultation for the people of Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile we should be reminded that there is very little time left before such exercises take place. Any delays in the conduct of such referenda and popular consultation will pose a real threat to peace in Sudan .

Mr. President, as you rightly stated during your visit to Juba that although your preference is for the outcome of referendum to confirm unity, you also committed yourselve to honour and respect the choice of the people of Southern Sudan . In fact your comment that Northern Sudan will be one of the best neigbours if people of Southern Sudan opt for separation sends a peaceful and positive signal to the Sudanese people. We are virtually left with less than two years for this fundamental right to be exercised and to make unity an attractive option for people of Southern Sudan . To my dismay, the 2009 national budget failed to allocate resources for national projects to be implemented in Southern Sudan for peace and unity. Importantly, it is extremely critical that the current national legislature passes the proposed Referendum Act.

Mr. President and Distinguished Guests,

The implementation of the Protocol of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile remains a real challenge. The Protocol of the two areas was reached to address the political grievances and to provide a framework for solving other similar conflicts in other parts of Sudan . Failure to fully implement the protocol of the two areas and to provide peace dividends to the war affected population in these two areas poses a real threat to peace in Sudan . Mr. President, we need to take upon ourselves in 2009 to ensure that the protocol of the two areas is fully implemented and to provide as well the necessary resources for the rapid provision of peace dividends in those areas.

The Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement and Darfur Peace Agreement although not directly linked with CPA, were reached in the spirit and within the framework provided in the CPA. It seems that we have not been able to fully implement these agreements and that may as well threaten the maintenance of peace in the entire country. We hope we can make 2009 as a year in which we can fully implement these agreements and to mobilize together with the international community the necessary resources for the provision of peace dividends. Eastern Sudan remains to have the worst living conditions in Sudan and probably in the world and we need to do something in 2009 to bring a real difference in that region.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Despite such challenges that faced the implementation of the CPA, let me also highlight briefly some concrete achievements realized during 2008. Generally, there has been relative peace and stability in most parts of Sudan since the signing of the CPA except Darfur . With relative stability, our people have been able to start rebuilding their own lives by themselves and embark on changing their living conditions for better. In our efforts of effecting decentralization as per the provisions of CPA, more resources have been transferred to states in 2008 and we expect more to be done in 2009. We have declared 2009 as year of decentralization and we will establish a Ministry for Decentralization Affairs to ensure transfer of powers and resources to the levels of government close to the people.

In the area of provision of basic social services, I am encouraged to tell you that the level of access to health and education services has improved considerably during the last four years. Our children are going to schools in thousands but with more girls getting to school. Despite such progress in the provision of basic services, the war affected areas of Southern Sudan, Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, Abyei, Eastern Sudan and Darfur have the worst level of access in relation to international standard. Southern Sudan has the highest level of maternal mortality rate and the worst level of sanitation in the world.

Prior to the CPA, most parts of Sudan were inaccessible by road but today Sudan is more connected. It takes now for example some hours rather than days from Juba to reach our borders with Ethiopia , Kenya and Uganda , Rumbek, Malakal, Yambio, Torit, Bor and Wau. It takes now less than two days from Khartoum to reach towns of Awiel, Wau, Bentiu, Malakal and Abyei. Despite such progress much work is expected, particularly the national projects that link Southern Sudan with Northern Sudan .

Trade and investment in Southern Sudan have increased dramatically since the signing of the CPA. Today there is a rapid economic growth in Sudan and particularly in Southern Sudan with its economy been reported as the fastest growing economy in the region. We will soon enact the necessary laws required for guaranteeing conducive atmosphere for promotion of investment.

I would like to share with you that in spirit of partnership, the National Legislature has passed besides other legislations the National Elections Act and Political Parties Act and approved as well the formation of National Elections Commission. These laws will allow us to conduct general elections as per the provisions of CPA. In order to ensure fair and transparent conduct of general elections, we must review the old laws that contravene with fundamental rights of our people and provisions of CPA. We have seen enough of bad elections around us and we should not allow Sudan to experience the same.

Mr. President and Distinguished Guests,

Although the CPA was signed by the NCP and SPLM, the CPA belongs to everyone. I do not think that there is any political party in the Sudan that wants the country to revert to war. All political parties in the Sudan are beneficiaries of the CPA, as most of them today are able to operate freely. Peace is a higher national interest that must transcend political parties’ boundaries. I would strongly urge all political parties to fully commit themselves to the full implementation of CPA and to abide by its provisions.

The implementation of the CPA requires the active participation of all, particularly religious leaders. Religious leaders are critical in advancing the culture of peace and reconciliation. I therefore appeal to both Christian and Muslim religious leaders in the Sudan to take CPA as basis for preaching tolerance, peace and reconciliation among our communities. I think maintaining peace and tranquility in society is a primary moral obligation of religious leaders.

As women suffered most during the protracted war, they have also benefited a lot from the conclusion of the CPA as most of their grievances have been addressed. In particular the National Elections Act ensures allocation of at least 25% of seats of assemblies at all levels of government to women. For those who may doubt women power, I wish to remind you that women are the majority in Sudan and their voice matters in a democratic society. As peace loving people, I call upon the women of Sudan regardless of their political colours to unite around CPA and to protect it from the spoilers of peace. I am committed to the empowerment of women and you can count on me in fighting against women marginalization.

For the youth, your role in the implementation of the CPA is critical. As future leaders of this country, it is your duty to protect the CPA, by promoting and disseminating the culture of peace and tolerance among the people of Sudan . You should not allow yourselves to be taken again to war as you have lost so much during war and you need to develop yourselves and enjoy life during peace time. Please cease from violent practices such as what we have been experiencing in various towns, ‘the nigger’ rampages, which is not Sudanese culture.

Last but not the least, there can never be comprehensive peace in the Sudan without ending the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Darfur . Let me take this opportunity to once more urge the Darfurian movements to seek a peaceful end to the conflict in 2009. Please afford the people of Darfur the much needed peace so that children can go to school and build their future.

Mr. President Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to appeal once again to all the Sudanese people that this peace, brought by the CPA, is extremely valuable for the unity of this country. It is a life saving machine that if it is tempered with it will cause demise. Therefore, let us together guard it with diligence and commitment. Now that we know the difference between war and peace, it is incumbent upon Sudanese of all walks of life to mobilize themselves and exercise their right of expression and choice in the forthcoming general elections. You will be afforded the opportunity this year 2009 to vote for party of peace, I will not mention which one but by now you should have known.

Once again, I wish all Happy Anniversary and a prosperous New Year 2009.

Major General Isaac Obuto Mamur Mete Ogina is confirmed released from Maximum "House arrest".

PRESS RELEASE

Date: January 01,2009

The people of South Sudan and all Sudanese people today are jubilating and singing revolutionary songs to welcome the new year and to celebrate our independent day January 01,1956. In South Sudan and the SPLA/M members are celebrating the new year 2009,January 01,1956 independence day with breaking news rumours of the release of Major General Isaac Mamur Obuto Mete Ogina from maximum detention due to the false allegations put on his head.

On December 30,2008 Major General Obuto Mamur Mete was declared innocent and release from detention area and it was his first time to enjoy freedom and welcome new year 2009 after having been kept for almost two years behind bars. The oppression ,injustices, innocent criminalization and freedom for all he fought for the last 22 years before CPA was denied to him and there are those left under the government to go free without prosecution. To our SSCCIA members who kept Major General Obuto Mamur case burning and asking for President Kiir and GOSS/SPLA/M for a fair and equal justice should not give up this spirit of brotherhood and nationalism,we will be recalled by what we do and say to free the voiceless people of South Sudan. We will not be exemptional from our government security agencies criminalization and blacklisting becuase of our vocal and open words that we ultered on behalf of the voiceless to our President and the entire administration whenever there is a problem inflicted by our government to the innocent citizens of South Sudan. Be ready for future detention and persecution for your actions and do not be supprised when you experience this in South Sudan. I released my photo for the cause of our people and administration to see that SSCCIA is not a ghost association with invisible leadership. There rumours circulating South Sudan and diaspora that SSCCIA is a NIF organization but those who me will testify for this false allegations aimed to distract SSCCIA members from tackling issues that affect the innocent and the majority people of South Sudan who felted isolated and discriminated by their own government.

On behalf of South Sudan Concern Citizens International Association (SSCCIA) and on my own behalf, I would like to confirm to SSCCIA members,the Southern Sudanese and Sudanese communities,tribes across the globe that the breaking news yesterday December 31,2008 is true and confirmed. It is joyful time for all of us especially those who sacrificed and offer to talk on behalf of the voiceless people of South Sudan,innocent prisoners like Major General Isaac Obuto Mamur,the victims of corruption ,insecurity and tribalism ,above all those who risk to advocate and champion the human rights abuses within our own people of SPLA/M and our own ruling party in Juba. As strong supporter and member of the SPLM and the SPLA,I believe in transparency,accountability and forgiveness of one another. This release of Major General Obuto is a joint effort of all people and tribes of South Sudan not SSCCIA alone. We thank our President for listening to our voices and quest for a fair justice.

To those who criminalized us I would to inform you that SSCCIA is a neutral organization with its memberships drawn from all South Sudan political parties ,communities,tribes and our supporting members from the Nuba Mountains. To us SSCCIA members as we continue to advocate on behalf of the voiceless people of South Sudan , we will also be condemned and judged wrongly as opposition to the governing SPLM party or being NIF/NCP funded organization. Those who know SSCCIA and me as the Founder and President will judge us through our historical roots in Sudan,SPLA/M and Anya Anya I participation.

This is where SSCCIA and I belief in Prime Minister Gandhi words of wisdom and lobbying as I quote

"In the times to come the people will not judge us by the creed we profess or the label we wear or the slogans we shout but by our work, industry, sacrifice, honesty and purity of character. A reformer has to sail not with the current, often he has to go against it, even though it may cost him his life. "Nonviolent nationalism is a necessary condition of corporate or civilized life."

MAHATMA GANDHI FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA

Today I believe those who condemned us and bracket us in their security list as betrayals and enemies of SPLM will accept that what we advocated was genuine which need the attention of President Salva Kiir and also a quest for fair justice. We in SSCCIA do not condone any criminal behavior but we believe that South Sudan as an autonomous State with its laws can prosecute the criminals in a fair and acceptable way,we also believe that those arrested on political ,tribal ,corruption bases with baseless allegations must be release without delay or due process must be follow in order to respect and basic human rights of these detainee or suspects.

SSCCIA believe that the leadership in power like SPLM must be accountable to his people and must listen to the aspirations and wishes of the people of South Sudan,we believe that SPLM must sustain South Sudan with the available resources and avoid looting,corrupting and repatriating the donated funds meant for reconstruction and rehabilitation of South Sudan to the Western World to feed their relatives who are well fed and sheltered by the countries that gave them residency and resettlement during the war.

In Conclusion,as we celebrate the release of Major General Obuto Mamur Mete Ogina,we should give thanks to President of South Sudan and Commander in Chief SPLA/M his Excellency Lt. General Salva Kiir Mayardit and his entire administration for having taken this courageous initiative to release one of their heroes who fought and never surrender during the hot days of the movenment. We want to give thanks to each SSCCIA members,the Southern Sudanese Communities (tribes),Sudanese at large,the South Sudan media houses and the international community for having exerted your efforts,time and resources to advocate and risk your personal ,family,clan,tribe,community,region lives to seek for a fair justice for Major General Obuto Mamur Mete and others who are still held on false allegations in South Sudan.

I want also to caution the SSCCIA members that the battle for a fair justice in South Sudan is not over,as we have confirmed the released of Major General Obuto Mamur ,we will be confronted with new events,poverty and corruption is still 100% in South Sudan and I believe SSCCIA Members can do better to improve and participate in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of South Sudan by supporting our President of South Sudan His Excellency Lt. General Salva Kiir Mayardit and his entire administration.

The opposition parties in South Sudan should be more active than dormant,the opposition parties should not base themselves in Khartoum while they advocating for South Sudan freedom and total independence. The opposition parties and leadership should not be those who cause conflict among the people of South Sudan but they should be the error corrector in South Sudan administration,they should oppose bills and laws that affect the aspirations of South Sudan people and future generations to come.

It is time for the government and opposition to educate and sensitize its citizens on the CPA,the national and South Sudan interim constitutions so that the citizens of South Sudan know the laws that govern them which they should abide by to avoid saying Am ignorance of the law and I have no idea that such laws prohibit doing ABCD and hence I should be for given from committing this criminal acts. Tribalism laws laws must instituted to criminalize tribalism and its dirty characteristic that affect equal development in South Sudan and also hindering equal distribution of employment opportunities based on the state proportion and individual merits based on the job required qualifications.

To this end I want to thank our comrade Major General Obuto Mamur Mete for his endurance and patience while in detention .Thanks God that you are still alive and we wish all the best in your administration,I hope you will be the best example and the first victimof our autonomous administration to show hope and endure innocent punishment. Your courage and patience will give hope for those who are still behind bars and undergoing various methods of human rights abuse.

On behalf of SSCCIA again I would to salute our President of South Sudan,the Vice President of GOSS and the advisories committees for this wise decision to release Major General Obuto,South Sudan still needs everybody and our future is still at stake. People like Major General Obuto and others will play a vital role in making Dr. Garang and South Sudan vision achieved in 2011.

In 1991 Late Dr. Garang said to us in Kidepo Military Centre that and I quote “In any family unit,clan,tribe,nation,religion and country where there is no trust,truth ,justice and forgiveness that family,clan,tribe and nation will break into pieces.Those who are able to help must do their utmost best and those who are not able because of fear must not sabotage those who want to defend their land and people,we must also forgive and forget our differences and antogonism while fighting for the same cause but adopting different methods”. This is true with our case of South Sudan,today our administration under the leadership President and Chairman,Commander in Chief SPLA/M Lt.General Salva Kiir Maryadit had taken our late hero Dr.Garang advise. Our nation of South Sudan needs forgiveness and justices based on our South Sudan traditions and beliefs,there is need for reconciliation and forgiveness among the people of South Sudan and those who rule and offened them.

I wish you all the Southern Sudanese communities across the world a happy and prosperous new year. Let this 2009 be ayear of peace and reconciliation among the Southern Sudanese people. May God bless you all.

"Speech of H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir at The Opening Session of South South Dialogue"

Comrade Salva Kiir Mayardit,

Chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement

Opening Remarks in the Dialogue between the SPLM

And Southern-based Political Parties

Juba, 8th November 2008

Comrade Salva Kiir Mayardit

All Leaders and members of Political Parties based in Southern Sudan

Members of the Diplomatic corps

Representatives of our Development Partners

Religious Leaders

Representatives of Civil Society Groups

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome all to our capital city of Juba that is experiencing rain these days that are very unusual- we hope it will be a blessing to our people.

As you know, I do wear many hats. Sometimes they call me First Vice President of Sudan, sometimes they call me President of the Government of Southern Sudan, sometimes they call me Commander in Chief of the SPLA (and if I were to come here with that hat I am sure some of you would not come close to me!), and sometimes they say I am just a simple soldier.

Today, I am speaking to you as Chairman of the SPLM, and this is the party which has been engaged for a very long time in the war of liberation and over the years has been representing the interests of the South and the marginalized areas in the protracted Civil War.

In this hall today there is no need to call me "President" or "General" or "Excellency", because here we meet as comrades in a common struggle. We speak today on equal footing, and I speak to you in the knowledge that we all share the same great and noble task, which is to represent the interests and will of the people of Southern Sudan. That is why we are here in Juba today.

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to see all of you together in this hall as a family of leaders of Southern Sudan. We know ourselves. Some of you were already respected leaders when I was still a young boy- and I am thinking of what Father Eliaba Surur said here today, that he is a father to many of us; when he said I used to be one of his small boys, I must agree with him! Some of you are activists who have come recently with new and fresh ideas. You are all here in the spirit of a united Southern Sudan. I warmly welcome you all to this important conference.

Seeing you all together today in this hall is a clear indication that we are more united now than at any time in the past. From our history, we know that our greatest threat to our unity is ourselves. Although we are members of different parties, we have many things in common. Most of us in this hall are Southerners and we share similar history of struggle for our own survival as a people. This has been in many ways a bitter history and we have all suffered many losses.

We have lost many beloved comrades in this prolonged struggle that started when we had our first contact with outsiders who were interested in nothing but in our enormous resources including our people. We have lost so many lives during the slavery period when our people were hunted and traded as a commodity. Even after independence, such practices continued and our people experienced enormous human suffering and were denied opportunities to enjoy normal and decent life.

Besides the enormous human suffering, we lost many of our political leaders during our struggle. I am thinking of all those who could have been our leaders to this day, but were not able to fulfill their potentials. I am thinking of all those leaders whose destinies were stolen from them. I am thinking, of course, of our extraordinary and visionary late leader, Dr John Garang de Mabior, whose loss remains raw and painful to this day. But I cannot think of our Late Chairman without also recalling those great leaders including Fr Saturnino Lohure and William Deng Nhial and others, who paid the ultimate price during their struggle to protect the will of our people. The list is too long to finish as it includes all those who led the struggle for Southern Sudan

Ladies and Gentlemen

All of us owe a huge debt to our martyrs, and to our lost leaders. I ask that you stand and join me now in a moment of reflection and appreciation for all those who worked and sacrificed to make possible the peace we enjoy today.

However, let us not be disheartened by what we have lost. Let us look instead at what we still retain. Many of the children of our lost ones are among us in our continued struggle to fighting injustice. Some are in this hall with us today. The lofty goals of our lost leaders are not abandoned.

While we continue with the noble struggle which they started, the selfless sacrifices of our martyrs will always inspire and guide our deeds.

Let us agree here to conduct our deliberations in the spirit of their sacrifices. Let us also be guided by lessons of our long history of our struggle. Let us remember that we are here because of the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and heroines. Let us prove that we are worthy of the great faith which our people have placed in us.

I want to talk to you now about what I hope we will be able to achieve in this conference. We have been kept busy for so long during our liberation struggle, and now it seems that managing peace is even keeping us even busier. In the middle of this urgent work, it is crucial that we as leaders of Southern Sudan can sit together and take stock of where we have reached, and where we still must travel, for we will be walking this path together. Not one person alone will walk it.

I wish to start by referring to our first meeting that took place in Nairobi in April 2005, not long after the signing of the CPA. The meeting came up with specific recommendations that we need to thoroughly review their implementation. Although you will be deliberating on these recommendations, I would like to share with you my own assessment. Generally most recommendations have been adequately implemented, though it will be up to you to make your assessment. The meeting recognized various grievances faced by our people and it was resolved 'to forgive and forget past grievances and open a new page'[and]'accept ourselves on an equal footing and unite together as citizens of Southern Sudan'.

After the formation of the Government of Southern Sudan in 2005, we have taken the following measures to address these grievances and to promote unity among our people:

1. We have established inclusive governments at all levels in Southern Sudan as per the provisions of our constitution and the CPA. The decisions of these governments are based on consensus and not on mechanical majority, though SPLM enjoys an absolute. In the GoSS Council of Ministers, we have never differed in taking our decisions collectively and we even sometimes forget during our deliberations that we represent different political parties.

2. Besides formation of inclusive government in Southern Sudan, we established the Southern Sudan Peace Commission and the Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission to respectively build peace and to protect the basic rights of our people.

3. In order to meet the needs of the victims of war, we have established a special commission for widows, orphans and the disabled. We have even designated 30th July as a national day for our martyrs.

4. In the spirit of reconciliation, we have reached agreement with all 'Other Armed Groups' and I am delighted to inform you that we have now more than 40,000 from Other Armed Groups (OAGs) being integrated, to become new members of SPLA.

In the Nairobi meeting we also resolved 'to support and pledge to protect the CPA and in evidence thereof, authorize our various political leaders to sign a covenant in support and protection of the CPA'. In pursuance to this recommendation, I would like to share with you the following:

1. We have been able to ensure progress in the implementation of the CPA but we still face real challenges that we have been sharing with you. When we suspended our participation in GoNU, we shared with you the reasons for our decision and you were very supportive. Still we face challenges related to results of the population census, demarcation of the North-South border, reconciliation and healing process, general elections and referendum in 2011.

2. In Southern Sudan we have now relative peace and stability despite some incidents of insecurity as result of cattle rustling, tribal tension and proliferation of small arms in the hands of civilians. We have now embarked on disarmament and traditional conflict resolution initiatives that are now bearing good fruit.

3. In order to move services nearer to people, we are now making decentralization to work as a constitutional obligation and to make public service reforms. We have declared 2009 to be a year of public service reforms and decentralization. Our 2009 budget will reflect our commitment to decentralization by availing more resources to the states and local government as level of government that is closest to the people.

4. With the formation of GoSS, we have established the Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission to address the needs of our IDPs and refugees. We have been allocating considerable resources for the repatriation of our IDPs and refugees. Much progress has been made with the support of our development partners but we still have large numbers of IDPs to be repatriated.

5. In preparation for the timely conduct of referendum, my Office organized a conference on referendum and I am sure that most of you here were involved. I am delighted that the GoSS has now taken practical measures to ensure the enactment of Referendum Act by the current national legislature with full participation of all political parties based in Southern Sudan. It is important for everybody to work to ensure that the Referendum Law is passed by the Current National Assembly, because many problems will follow if it goes on to the next National Assembly.

The meeting resolved for an inclusive drafting process of the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan. I am delighted to inform you that our constitution was not only drafted with the participation of all you but it was unanimously passed by our Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly. In recognition of having our first constitution, we have designated the 5th December to be our national constitution day.

The meeting also resolved to a commitment to women empowerment. I am happy to inform you that the issue of women empowerment is well captured in our constitution and also in the National Elections Act. The women are not only to be represented by 25% in legislature, executive and civil service but they have the right to own properties including land. Besides these constitutional and legal rights for women, we have established a Ministry for Gender to look into the needs of women. I am happy to share with you that I have personally taken it upon myself to be a watchdog for the protection of the rights of women.

The meeting also resolved to ensure peace, security and stability in Southern Sudan. After the formation of GoSS, we have put the issue of security as our top priority in our policy statement. With continued allocation of more resources to SPLA, I am delighted to inform you that SPLA is now capable of defending us against any threats. This does not mean that there are no incidents of insecurity-even here in Juba they happen.

They are not a matter of anybody's policy; they are the work of people who for their own reasons attack innocent people. To reduce crime, we are now strengthening the capacity of our police and judiciary. We have also established the Southern Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission to provide opportunities for the ex-combatants.

For the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), we have facilitated a peace initiative with the aim of bringing peace and stability to Northern Uganda, which had been well negotiated between them and the Government of Uganda.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Despite our efforts the LRA leader, Joseph Kony, refused to sign the peace agreement and has instead resumed his atrocities not only in Uganda and Southern Sudan, but also in Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. LRA is a real threat to regional stability and we will require a joint regional approach to contain its activities while pursuing the option of peace till the end of this month. In fact, Dr Riek Machar returned just this afternoon to brief me on this topic. The last date for signing that has been set is 29th November, and Kony has expressed his willingness to sign. We wait to see if he is telling the truth this time.

The meeting also resolved to provide peace dividends to our people. Since the signing of the CPA and formation of government at all levels, we are seeing a considerable improvement in the living conditions of our people.

We are seeing change every day in Southern Sudan not through the efforts of the government but also through people's own initiatives and the efforts of our development partners. If we could reflect a bit into the conditions that were prevailing before 2005, we would appreciate the massive change that we are experiencing today. I know the expectations of our people are high but I am confident that with the level of progress I am seeing today we will be able to live up to their expectations, especially here in Juba , which I see most often. However, we need to do more, particularly in women and children health, combating poverty, provision of basic services (primary education, primary health, clean drinking water) and attainment of MDGs.

It is not in the nature of this meeting for me to tell you which of these resolutions have been implemented; these are issues we must explore together. However, some achievements are clear. We should mark them, and congratulate ourselves for these successes. Despite challenges, Southern Sudan remains peaceful and united and with government is being felt in all parts of rural areas.

We should all congratulate ourselves for recognizing the importance of the CPA. I believe it is indeed the bedrock of all that we must build in Southern Sudan, and I thank you all here, and indeed all our loyal and faithful people, for your recognition of this fact. Without our continued and strong defense of this precious agreement, we would be lost and disunited.

We have all traveled a long road, from the days when outsiders could come to our land and take whatever they wanted. We have traveled many miles since the times when the South was administered in a closed district which was meant to keep us isolated from the rest of the world. We have come a long way since the days when atrocities could be perpetrated against our people without any knowledge from the international community.

Now, we are building the Government of Southern Sudan from the ground up, so that it is truly a government of our people, by our people, and for our people. I often hear people confuse GOSS with SPLM. This is a big mistake, and you should always correct it when you hear it. GOSS is not owned by the SPLM alone- it is composed of many parties. We all share in the great task of building the government which our people deserve. It is my appeal to you that people should not talk about GOSS being the same as SPLM.

Our Government must be representative of its people. We must not make the mistake of repeating the marginalization which was forced upon us by those who sought to rule us from Khartoum or Cairo. We must do all we can to ensure that every region and every religion is seen in the faces of our Government.

We must also take seriously the need to ensure that at least 25% of the members of our Government are women. And this does not limit the women to 25%- they could have even 75%! 25% was just a start and we can build on it.

Understand, when I talk of women's employment, do not think I mean just the ladies who make your tea or carry your documents from office to office, or of the pretty girl who sits on your reception desk. No, we must promote able, educated and mature women to positions of responsibility and influence if we are to ensure that we will meet the needs of the mothers and sisters and daughters in our community.

We still have a long way to go until our infant Government is truly fit to represent us, but we are working hard to achieve this goal. This work must be shared by all political parties in Southern Sudan, and I call upon all present to join together to build the Government our people want. Our government must belong to each and every one of us, whatever our political party, our gender, our religion or our geographic origin.

The next clear milestone which we face as political parties, is the planning and implementation of elections. For too many years, our people were among the most marginalized in the world. They were denied a voice by successive rulers and regimes. We are now within a year of redressing this old injustice. This is a heavy responsibility. In recent months, we have seen elections claim the lives of ordinary people in many African countries. These are our elder sister nations, to whom we have looked for leadership and good examples for many decades. We in Southern Sudan must all appreciate the importance and difficulty of the task that lies ahead of us in 2009. We must all work together to ensure that this tragedy does not happen in Southern Sudan . Our people have suffered enough. Let us agree that not one drop of blood will be shed, in order to for our people to simply vote. Let our people not fight because of elections.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Let us take our example instead from Angola , where recent elections have been conducted without recourse to violence, and where the results have been accepted by the parties. Until a few days ago, I would have included Zambia , but it appears that they too are now in problems over their recent election… And let us take as our prime example the case of America , where the election this week of President-Elect Barack Obama has much to teach us.

Forty-five years ago, in August 1963, the Reverend Martin Luther King made perhaps his most celebrated speech. In it, he said these famous words: 'I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.' Yet, here we are today, awaiting the inauguration of the first African-American President of the United States . Americans, who never thought they would see this day, are dancing and crying in the streets. In fact, the long-ago dream of the late Reverend King is about to come true. I ask here that you join me in a round of applause for President Elect Obama and for the wisdom of the American people in living up to the values of democracy, justice and equality.

We must agree here to conduct our election in a responsible, dignified and honourable manner. I am sure there will be provocations along the way. Some of us may find ourselves unfairly or rudely attacked in the course of the election campaign. Some of us will be pressurized to resort to tribalism in order to gain votes. In this case I expect us all, in every party, to reject such tactics. Some of us will be asked to provide money or benefits in return for votes. Here, my expectation and advice is clear. We must all, in every party, refuse to play the game of buying political support. We all owe a debt of honour to our people and we must rise above such shameful behaviours.

As political leaders, our words can inspire our people to build a great future, but our words can also kill and maim our people. The wrong words can ruin all our dreams for a better future. We must choose these words carefully. We must all hold the dream of the future of Southern Sudan as we would hold an egg- do not squeeze it too tight, or it will surely break; do not fight for it, or it will fall and shatter on the ground. Instead, hold it securely and gently, while our people decide how it will be shared among us.

As political parties, we are engaged in the historic task of constructing something which has never before existed in Sudan- a true multi-party democracy. In this work we have a natural advantage, because Southern Sudan is not the true home of one-party politics, and we are not people who take kindly to being told what to think. As you know, we love to argue and debate and we can even argue about whether the sky is blue or not. Above all our traditional and cultural institutions are democratic in nature including our traditional courts, where a person passing by can settle a case. It is natural for us to have many political parties, and it is nothing we should fear. If our politics divide us in some ways, we need not to worry: this is the nature of democracy, and we must address these differences by peaceful means.

In Southern Sudan , people often complain of tribalism. We accept that tribes are the basis of our social fabric and we must promote all our rich and diverse cultures. But tribalism is a cancer on our unity and we must do whatever possible to contain it. Tribalism causes us to look at ourselves outside our vision of one united Southern Sudan , as our only tribe. As leaders we have a moral obligation to commit ourselves to fight tribalism. Let us all agree here to uphold the absolute principle of opposition to tribalism.

We are the leaders of our people and we have a responsibility to educate our people, even when the lessons may be unpopular at first. You have a duty to warn your supporters against cheap appeals to tribe or ethnicity. Reject such behaviour amongst your cadres; educate them in the lessons of our history. The parties which resort to such dirty tactics will surely earn the disrespect of all our people.

Along with tribalism, our people are extremely concerned about the issue of corruption. As I have said many times before, corruption in government will never be tolerated. Every time a government official engages in a corrupt act it reduces our ability to deliver critical services to our people and it diminishes our commitment to the selfless sacrifices of our martyrs. No one would claim that corruption has been eradicated, but our government and my personal commitment to do so is sincere. The people of Southern Sudan have faith in our ability to combat corruption and I am committed to live up to that faith. I pledge to back, with the full weight of my office, the efforts and programmes of our Anti-Corruption Commission. As leaders of political parties, I would urge you to adopt the fight against corruption as our collective election agenda.

Ladies and Gentlemen

You know, I hear that on the Internet, people are writing many things, and saying that corruption is happening in front of my eyes. Let me say here that if there are people doing that, they would not do it in front of me, because they know that I would not keep quiet! Corruption is not a thing which is done in front of your eyes.

Our people are also concerned about the referendum. During the public lecture on referendum I made it clear that the exercise of right of self-determination for the people of Southern Sudan and Abyei is a constitutional right that we are obliged to protect. As President of GoSS, it is my commitment that the people of Southern Sudan will be allowed to exercise this right in a timely and transparent manner and to ensure as well that the outcome of the referendum is respected and implemented.

I know that the issue of referendum will be a central issue in the forthcoming elections and I am sure some of us may solely claim that it was their achievement. Although SPLM and NCP are the signatories to the CPA that contains the right of self-determination for the people of Southern Sudan , we can not claim it as our sole achievement. The realization of the right of self-determination came as a result a long struggle of all people of Southern Sudan and the SPLM has crowned such struggle in the CPA. We should not try to confuse our people about who brought the right of the self-determination because they know it. Let us agree as leaders of the political parties that this right is to be exercised as per the provisions of the CPA. As I mentioned during the public lecture on referendum, we do not have any other option but to have one united position and consensus around referendum. Let us not let down our people on this point.

In Conclusion: the theme of this meeting is to build consensus for peace, stability and development. Is that the right theme? If not it is up to you to amend it. Nevertheless, I hope my remarks have laid down the basis around which we can build a consensus. The pillars of this consensus will certainly include CPA, a common agenda for elections, good governance, peace building, unity and reconciliation, and referendum. I hope that by the end of this historic conference, we will have found many points of agreement between us. I hope that we will be able to agree upon ways we can work together for the good of all our people. I hope that we can agree on rules of engagement which are designed to maintain decency and mutual respect between all parties. I hope that our work here in these few days will help to keep our people safe as they are learning to exercise their power as voters and electors. And I hope above all that we will leave this conference committed to defending the unity of Southern Sudanese, even as we celebrate our diversity.

And when we talk of 'unity', remember that there are two unities. One is the unity of Sudan as defined in the Machakos Protocol, about which our people will decide in 2011-whether to remain part of a united Sudan , or to choose to separate. The second is the unity of the people of Southern Sudan . These two unities should not be confused, they are separate. We are prepared as Southerners to face any challenges. This is unity.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Let us walk together in the footsteps of our lost leaders, our fallen martyrs and our millions of unsung heroes and heroines. Let us proudly follow the path which they marked out, towards united, democratic, prosperous and inclusive Southern Sudan and the optimistic future which has been our dream for so long. And even if times are difficult and progress is far from smooth, let us not forget our beautiful dream. Because we have the capacity, working together, to make our dreams a reality. Remember Martin Luther King's call of "I have a dream"? the answer came 45 years later, from Barack Obama, who insisted, "yes we can!".

We are all Southerners; let us all stand together to defend the rights and will of our people !

Thank you, and may God bless you all in this important work

President of South Sudan Lt.General Salva Kiir Juba October 26,2008

Speech of H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit At The Second

Southern Sudan Health Assembly

H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit Delivers His Opening Speech at

the Second Southern Sudan

Health Assembly

[Juba, South Sudan] - By Larco Lomayat

The second Southern Sudan Health Assembly Workshop under the theme "BUILDING EFFECTIVE HEALTH SYSTEMS IN SOUTHEN SUDAN" officially kicked off and started its opening sessions tonight at Nyakuron Cultural Center in Juba.

Here below is the speech of H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit at the Workshop.

=========================================

H. E. GEN. SALVA KIIR MAYARDIT, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SOUTHERN SUDAN, OPENING REMARKS AT THE SOUTHERN SUDAN HEALTH ASSEMBLY

JUBA, 26TH COTOBER 2008

Dr. Riak Machar Teny, Vice President of GOSS

Governors, Presidential Advisors and Ministers

Members of Legislative Assembly

Members of Diplomatic Missions

United Nations Agencies and World Bank

Religious leaders

All health personal and staff all over Southern Sudan

Invited Guest, ladies and Gentlemen

I would like to seize this opportunity to greet you and to welcome you all to this important and strategic meeting on health as one of the basic services we are committed to deliver to our people in a decent way. I would like to recognize among us today the presence of General Lazarous Sumbeyo who made a distinctive contribution to the conclusion of CPA and the peace that we enjoy today in Sudan.

From the outset I would like to congratulate all health personnel and staff starting with community health workers, traditional birth attendants, nurses, medical assistance, medical doctors, all staff of state and GOSS health ministries, development partners, NGOs, state and GOSS health Ministers for remarkable work that you have exerting towards improving the health status of our people, particularly children and women. I know some of you have been spending sleepless nights to save innocent lives of our people. I know also that we have lost as well dear lives simply because of lack of some basic medical equipments and drugs. I sincerely congratulate you all for your sacrifices and you should all be proud that you are contributing with distinction towards making a positive difference to the lives of our people. Moburuk Alekum.

Ladies and Gentlemen

As government and people of Southern Sudan, we have clearly articulated our commitment to provision of health services in our constitution and policy statement. Our constitution recognizes that health is not only a privilege but it is a fundamental human right. It is both moral and constitutional obligation upon all of us to ensure that our people have access to health services when they need such services. Health is the cornerstone of our development, prosperity and wealth creation.

Our health policy is founded on primary health care and our constitution has obliged all levels of government in Southern Sudan to promote public health, establish, rehabilitate and develop basic medical and diagnostic institutions and provide free primary health care and emergency services for all citizens.

During the last three years we have been allocating substantial resources to health sector and with support from our development partners, we are now seeing encouraging results. Besides our efforts towards health services, we are to encourage private sector to invest in health sector so that health services are to be provided in a sustained and efficient manner. We should recognize hat health is the responsibility of every citizen and if we focus on preventive measures and health education we will make Southern Sudan a healthy nation.

The appalling conditions of health and sanitation that we are seeing today in Juba and other towns are a result of lack of public health education. The effective way to transform the health situation of our people is to start with health education in our houses, families, offices and public at large. We must start now with our schools to ensure that education is compulsory subject in our primary schools. I recognize, however, that health is largely a personal, family and community responsibility and I urge all our people to join hands in taking health into their own hands.

Although the results of the Sudan Household Health Survey show slight improvement in some aspects of health status, the health situation of women and children is alarming with Southern Sudan having the worst level of mental mortality in the world. Also the health indicators of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) show a considerable disparity clearly underlines the counties of Southern Sudan.

As the theme of the Second Health Assembly is “Building Effective Health Systems”, I would urge you to freely deliberate on this important issue and I hope you will come with specific resolutions of how to improve health status of our people, particularly women and children, and how to address the imbalance in the distribution of health services as well as assessing the role of private sector in the delivery of health services and the conditions of our health personnel.

Ladies and Gentlemen

During the last meeting of our Governors, decentralization and public reform were identified as effective and efficient ways of providing services to our people. As I mentioned many times, decentralization is not only a constitutional obligation but it is framework for delivery of services through the level of government that is close to our people. Effective health system can only be established and sustained through effective decentralization that will ensure people-led delivery of health services. Our health policy is based on decentralization with the aim of ensuring the needs of rural population are adequately met. During the last Governors Forum, I declared 2009 to be a year of decentralization and public service reforms. We must move services nearer to the people. This slogan is the same with the theme of the First Assembly that was “Towards Decentralization Health Care”.

I believe also an effective health system can be establish in collaboration with other relevant sectors such as education, agriculture, water and infrastructure. Above all we should also not forget the role of rule of law, good governance and leadership to ensure effective health systems. Combating corruption and malpractices (ghost names) in health systems is central for effective health services. I call upon state governors and county commissioners to provide leadership in establishing effective health systems in their respective states and counties. The GOSS Ministry of Health in collaboration with my Office will take the lead in ensuring the establishment of effective health systems within our overall commitment to operationalize decentralization and public sector reforms.

While you will be deliberately on measures to build effective health system, I would like to remind ourselves of the following biggest health threats in Southern Sudan: Malaria, diarrhea, chest infections, HIV/AIDS and malnutrition that continue to contribute to rally together to address the causes of these threats. As we will be committing more resources to combat these threats, I call upon our development partners and donors to avail more resources to these areas of our health concerns.

I woud like to recognize that important role being played by our development partners and hope donors in assisting us to establish our health systems and I hope their contribution to your deliberation will enrich your discussions and will as well ensure their commitment to the implementation of the resolutions of this assembly.

Ladies and Gentlemn

Before I could conclude, I would like to reiterate that establishment of effective health systems is a solid foundation for development of sustainable delivery of health systems is a solid foundation for development of sustainable delivery of health services. Secondly, decentralization of health services in the best way of moving the management of health services closer to our people with their full participation. Thirdly, private sector plays a critical role in health services and we need to invest more in the private sector for sustainable delivery of health service. Fourthly, highly motivated and trained health personnel are the heart of the effective health systems.

In conclusion, our people rightly expect us to deliver a lot in a short period of time and I am delighted that we are witnessing considerable progress and development in Southern Sudan. You can clearly see such changes in our personal daily lives, health of our children, new roads, free movement and expression, commodities in markets and relative peace and stability. With the speed we are seeing progress in Southern Sudan, I am confident the needs of our people will be gradually met. I see clearly and without any doubt a very bright and prosperous future of Southern Sudan that I am confident that we shall and make it a reality.

The First Ethiopian-Southern Sudan Trade Fair and Cultural week was officially opened in Juba on October 13, 2008 .

In his inaugural speech, the First Vice President of the Republic and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, General Salva Kiir Mayardit stated that the responsibility of the Government of Southern Sudan is to ensure that the security of the business people with their property are well protected. He explained that business cannot flourish if there is insecurity. Nonetheless, the Government of Southern Sudan has committed itself to ensure security for the business communities throughout the region.

According to President Kiir, Ethiopia has been in the fore front during the struggle of the people of Southern Sudan starting from the Emperor era that continued until the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement. The same process was also picked up during the SPLM/A patriotic struggle with the Ethiopians being behind the movement and continued until the present day. He underlined that Ethiopia is one of the countries that will guide the Southern Sudan until it achieved its own desired goals.

General Kiir called for maintaining and sustaining the current progressing relationships between the two peoples for good. On the current trade fair, the President of the Government of Southern Sudan noted that Ethiopia is the first country in the region to fulfill its promises to the people of Southern Sudan . This trade fair, he said is the beginning of so many fairs that will follow suit and will strengthen the cultural relations between the two countries and all our neighbours.

General Kiir lauded the Ethiopian Prime Minister seriousness to link Ethiopia with Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei and Upper Nile states. He said construction work on other roads linking the region with the neighbouring Ugandan, DR Congo and Central Africa Republic would begin shortly.

The President of the Government of Southern Sudan commended the strenuous efforts exerted by the two communities to make this trade fair a reality and that this is the results of hard work between Juba and Addis Ababa

HE Salva Kiir Mayardit,

Opening Remarks by HE Salva Kiir Mayardit,

First Vice President of the Republic of Sudan and

President of the Government of Southern Sudan,

The Joint Meeting of the Council of States and SSLA

Juba, Monday 20th October, 2008

Honourable Speaker of the Council of States

Honourable Speaker of Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Southern Sudan

National, Goss, State Ministers and Advisors

Honourable Members of the Council of States

Honourable Members of Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Religious Leaders

Invited Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great and particular pleasure that I welcome you to the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly today, on the occasion of the opening of this most historic joint meeting of the Council of States and Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly. The Council of States is uniquely mandated by our Interim National Constitution to meet at any time, or in any place in Sudan that it may choose. This is the very first time that you have met outside Khartoum. As people’s representatives you have taken the right decision to hold your meeting here in Juba today, Maburuk Alekom.

Hon. Speakers, before I continue, please allow me to seize this opportunity to salute our fallen heroes and heroines, among them our founding leader, Dr. John Garang de Mabior, who have fallen in the cause of our struggle for peace and justice.

May we stand for a minute of silence in their remembrance!

Honourable Speakers and members, my first task as your host is to extend to you, on behalf of the people of Southern Sudan and their government, our profound appreciation for your nationalistic decision to hold this meeting in Juba, our capital city. We are most honoured that you are not coming for one day but you will at least spend more than one day in Juba. We have been receiving dignitaries or members from the Government of National Unity but we have never received any national institutions in Southern Sudan in the way that you have shown today. Your presence, as an institution, among us in Juba is a symbol of our national future direction and would set example to other national institutions to follow the same.

I hope the few days that you will spend here will allow you also to see and experience the life in Juba. Much has been said about Southern Sudan and Juba and you have the chance now to see by yourselves. I am sure that, during your time in Juba, you will find the spirit of Sudanese courtesy and generosity which is a central element of all our Sudanese cultures. Majlis Alwalayat, Ahlan wa Sahlin!

Some of you may know that the Speaker of this August House, Hon. James Wani Igga, is fond of telling us his dreams. Indeed, he has just shared with us another one today…. Dreams are important. Especially at times like this, when it seems that there is too much work and too little time to sleep, we still must dream. It is through our dreams and ideals that we may guide our efforts towards a better future. On this special occasion, I would like to share with you a dream of my own.

“I dream of a future where the Council of States has succeeded in championing the decentralization in Sudan, with more resources going to states and local government and our rural Sudan becoming attractive to our people, who can lead a productive and meaningful life with dignity and honour”.

It is my hope that, following this first meeting in Juba, you will extend the initiative to meet in places all across the States of Sudan, particularly in the marginalized areas of Sudan. I hope that you will sit, not just in Khartoum and Juba, but also in Darfur, in Eastern Sudan, Northern Sudan, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. People in these places will certainly feel great if such national events are held in their areas, to give them that sense of nationhood.

Until one travels the roads of a place, breathes the dust of a place, and even smells the markets of a place, one cannot begin to know that place. I am sure that by so doing, you will confront uncomfortable conditions. I am sure that you will hear many difficult issues. But I am also sure that you will earn the affection and deep respect of our various peoples, many of whom suffer grievously from poverty, sickness and lack of basic services.

Here in the Southern Sudan we face many and real challenges. Following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, we started with appalling and incomparable conditions and we have been struggling to fix the basics for our governments to function. Even the Hall that you are in today was a ghost house and abandoned to other creatures. Besides the lack of institutions and systems in Southern Sudan, the status of the living conditions of our people was the worst in the world. We are not combating underdevelopment; here in the South, but we are fighting never-development.

Honourable Speakers and the Members, despite these enormous challenges, I am delighted to inform you that the general conditions are rapidly changing for better in Southern Sudan since the signing of the CPA. There is now relative peace in all parts of Southern Sudan. Despite the limited capacity, the institutions of government at all levels are now functioning and people in our villages do now feel the presence of government among them. We have embarked on a serious public civil service reform to ensure a lean, accountable, effective and efficient public service. We have adopted a zero-tolerance to corruption policy and our people are now aware about corruption. We will now move to the critical phase of combating this evil with necessary legislation, systems and regulations, corrective measures and civic education. You cannot fight corruption without the right tools to do so and these tools are the Anti Corruption Laws. I have appealed to this very house many times to pass these laws quickly so that we are able to continue in this fight.

Our people’s access to basic services such as health, education and clean water has drastically improved and we are on the right track, although still with far to go, towards the Millennium Development Goals. Our people are now connected with a few new roads and the repaired ones and there are ambitious plans to connect Southern Sudan with all its neigbours. Despite what you have been hearing in Khartoum about Southern Sudan, the development in Southern Sudan is real and it is happening, on a daily basis.

Honourable Members, after painting the challenging but hopeful picture of Southern Sudan, let me talk about your expected role as Council of States. This Council is one of the important national institutions that we have agreed upon in the CPA. It is envisaged to reflect our diversity, promote and protect the devolution of powers and decentralization as well as shaping the national policies to meet the interests of states and local government as the levels closest to our people. Thus, you have a great role to play in shaping the very future of our nation. The real question is how far the Council has been successful in living up to those responsibilities and expectations? I will certainly not risk evaluating your performance but I would rather like to share with you the challenges facing our nation.

What kind of future do we want to leave for our children? This is a central question upon which we can assess our contribution towards shaping and realizing a better future Sudan. Certainly as leaders of today it is our moral obligation that we should leave for our children a peaceful and prosperous Sudan. A nation, divided by strife and civil conflicts, cannot hope to grow and prosper.

As we speak, our brothers and sisters in Darfur are suffering the agonies of war and displacement. This appalling humanitarian situation cannot be allowed to continue; it is a tear in the fabric of our nation. If the Sudan is to survive into the 21st century, we cannot continue to kill and brutalize ourselves. We are people with great civilization, who have co-existed for centuries, indeed for millennia. We have the capacity and moral obligation to solve this terrible problem ourselves, and so bring peace and hope to our people in Darfur.

I have just arrived in Juba this morning, having travelled from Kenana. It seems as if the entire leadership of Sudan was there, brainstorming to find ways that we can solve this problem. Indeed, if it were not for the need to address this meeting, I would still be there now. Let us double our efforts in this; bloodshed cannot be allowed to continue anywhere in Sudan!

The problem of Darfur is a political problem, for which a political solution is required. No amount of war will solve it. Political will is what we need. I urge the Council of States to support the genuine Sudanese initiative launched last week by H.E. Field Marshall Omar Hassan Ahmed Al Bashir aimed at finding a lasting and peaceful solution for Darfur. Such initiatives should not come from outside, but from the Sudanese themselves. A good peace can not be achieved with a divided and weak Darfur.

We have previously taken the initiative to unite various Darfurian Movements, here in Juba. This humble move is being misunderstood by some political circles in Khartoum. That is not our concern. We are concerned to stop the bloodshed, and in this we have been proved to be correct. It is a high time for all of us come together, putting the interest of our nation and our people above our parties’ interests.

It is an overriding duty for you to ensure that all the States stand together to support peace in Sudan. This extends beyond Darfur; the Eastern Peace Agreement must also be closely monitored, as failure in its implementation will regrettably reproduce again that Old Sudan with all its oddities and disgraces.

Honourable Members, we are able to meet in Juba today because of the historic agreement, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. I am happy, despite enormous challenges, to recognize that there has been much progress in the implementation of the CPA. It is important, however, that we all guard against complacency as the last phase of the interim period is critical for the survival of CPA. The CPA is not simply a piece of paper; it is our road-map to a better and prosperous future Sudan. If we are committed to peace, we have no other option but to fully implement the CPA, in spirit and in letter.

One of the most pressing issues in the implementation of the CPA is to build a national consensus on the expected results of the Population Census. Despite the fact that Southern Sudan has raised genuine concerns over the conduct of the population census, we need to ensure that the awaited results of the population census have adequately reflected these concerns so that such results are accepted by all. The awaited results will have a profound impact on the next phase of democratic transformation, particularly the next general elections. You should work to foster a common understanding and ensure that the final results are properly scrutinized to ensure general acceptance of such results by our people.

Following on from the Census is the issue of the 2009 Elections. These elections are crucial to all the people of Sudan, who deserve the right at last to freely elect their leadership. It is a constitutional obligation that such elections be held before the end of the Interim Period (9th July 2009) and we must ensure this date is respected and adhered to. I will even suggest that we must move it forward, because seasons are not the same everywhere in Sudan. By July, the rains can make it difficult or even impossible to travel in some parts of the South. Anyway, this is something for you to think about.

Our elections must be free, fair and transparent. We must have good elections, rather than bad elections that will produce nothing but hatred, divisions and loss of innocent lives as recently witnessed in the region. I ask you to join me in praying that, in Sudan, not another drop of blood is shed in pursuit of the right to vote. The aspiration of democratic choice, however, will take more than a prayer; it requires that we humans also take our part, by planning for success. I urge the Honourable Members of your House to work to ensure that the provisions of the National Elections Act are fully implemented.

Following on from elections is the 2011 referendum. This issue is of course extremely important for the people of Southern Sudan and Abyei. As much as we may aspire to make the unity of Sudan an attractive option to the people of Southern Sudan, it is also a constitutional obligation that the referendum is held by January 2011 as per the provisions of the INC and the CPA. I would urge the House to expedite the passing of the Southern Sudan Referendum Act. Such legislation is to be passed by the current national legislature as per the provisions of the CPA. The Council of States, together with the National Assembly, must fulfil their responsibility to ensure that the referendum is held as stipulated in the CPA. Once the referendum is conducted, we must commit ourselves, regardless of the outcome, to respect the wishes of the people and accept the results of the referendum.

In considering these issues, it is critical that we do not forget the three areas of Abyei, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. These regions have borne a heavy burden of war and remain deeply war-affected. It is incumbent upon you to ensure that all protocols relating to the three areas are fully implemented and more resources are transferred to these areas to address the root causes of their marginalization. With general elections and newly elected state assemblies, the popular consultation for the people of Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile is to be exercised immediately. Despite the challenges facing us in the implementation of Abyei Protocol, we have at last managed to form the Abyei Administration, which now needs support to address the challenges of the return of recently displaced persons and the destruction resulting from the recent unfortunate events in Abyei area.

As you may be aware, the Sixth Governor’s Forum of Southern Sudan, which met in this very house two weeks ago, declared 2009 to be the year of Decentralization. In order to bring crucial services to our people, it is imperative that the power, authority and resources are pushed from the highest levels of government to the levels which are closest to the people. This is the heart of decentralization, and this is the way in which we can best bring better services to our people. We must take most of Khartoum and Juba to the States and further, to local government and rural areas. In other words we must take the towns to the people. It is a shame that Khartoum is still overwhelmed with people from the rural areas simply because the services and job opportunities are in Khartoum. We must make our rural Sudan attractive so that our people can return to their home areas where they can lead a productive and meaningful life with dignity and pride. We can only achieve this through effective decentralization as provided for in the CPA.

Finally, Honourable Members, I wish you all the best of luck in next year’s election to your positions. We look forward to welcoming you to any other town in Southern Sudan for any of your sittings again.

May God Bless You All

President Kiir Speech on the opening of South Sudan Parliament.

"The implementation of CPA remains our top priority"

Speech of H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the First Vice President of the Sudan and President of Government of Southern Sudan on:

The Opening of the Second Session of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly

Juba

H. E. Gen. Kiir is Addressing the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly

in Juba

[Juba, South Sudan] – By Larco LomayatOctober 8, 2008

After two days visit to Rumbek, in Lakes State, The First Vice President of the Republic and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, H. E. General Salva Kiir Mayardit returned to Juba this morning to do other Important National Duties.

At 03:00 PM Sudan Local Time, H. E. Gen. Kiir officially opened the second session of Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly after one month recess.

After the opening prayers by His Grace Arch-Bishop Paulino Lukudu Loro and brief remarks from H. E. James Wani Igga, Speaker of South Sudan Legislative Assembly, Gen. Kiir delivered his below speech.

===========

Speech of H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the First Vice President of the Sudan and President of Government of Southern Sudan on:

The Opening of the Second Session of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly

Juba

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Hon. James Wani Igga, Speaker of SSLA

GoSS and State Advisors and Ministers

Heads of Commissions

Hon. Members of the House (SSLA)

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

Religious Leaders

Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my pleasure to welcome you back to Juba, the seat of your government after your recess. I hope that each and every one of you had a quality and productive time with your respective constituency and families as well.

Hon. Speaker, before I continue, please allow me to salute the memory of our fallen heroes and heroines, whose sacrifices have made the history we are writing today, among them our founding leader, Dr. John Garang de Mabior and those who have similarly fallen in the cause of our struggle for peace and justice. May we stand for a minute of silence in their remembrance!

Hon. Speaker and the House, Your recess I believe, has given you ample time to expose and assess the general conditions of our people and how best we can address their concerns. It is my modest believe that as we start the second session of this august House, you may be in a better position now to enrich the deliberations of this Session with the concerns and aspirations of our people. We must always remember that we are servants to our people and servants must always be loyal to their masters. Our masters are our people and they are great masters because they are simple and sincere.

Security Situation:

Our primary duty as government is to ensure that peace and security prevail throughout Southern Sudan. Despite progress after the signing of the CPA, insecurity still remains a real challenge in some parts of Southern Sudan. The cause of such insecurity could be attributed to obvious causes but in most cases it is difficult to explain. One of the main causes of the current insecurity is attributed to the culture of cattle rustling and inter-clan fighting, exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal fire arms in the hands of the citizens. We are now committed to taking measures to address this inter-communities conflict, through empowering our traditional authority as the most effective authority at the community level to provide security and promote peace and reconciliation. We need to strengthen as well the local government as the level closest to people and to work closely with traditional authority to achieve our target of disarming every citizen. During the Governors’ Forum, the issue of insecurity was on the top of the challenges facing our states. Our governors are trying whatever possible to address the security concerns in their states. I was encouraged by the efforts exerted by the governors of Unity, Warrap, Lakes and Western Bahr El Ghazal states in their effort to finding an amicable and lasting solution to the long running inter-clan feuds. I am glad to inform you that these outstanding issues were brought to an end during the Traditional Authority Conference in Tonj in Warrap State.

I appreciate and commend this spirit of peace, reconciliation and cooperation among the governors and the people at the grass-root level. The spirit of the Wunlit People to People peace approach has inspired the Traditional Authority Conference in Tonj and will remain a model and a framework for addressing the grass-root conflict.

In our efforts to addressing the insecurity in our states, we held special meeting of Southern Sudan Security Committee that was attended by all our governors and we came up with concrete resolutions. Also a special meeting of Southern Sudan Defense Council was called in the light of the current external and internal threats to the security of Southern Sudan and a number of resolutions were taken to ensure safety and security of Southern Sudan. Our Minister of Internal Affairs, SPLA Command and other public institutions have been directed to ensure the implementation of these resolutions and expect to update the House on the progress in the implementation of these resolutions.

Hon. Speaker, and the House,

Besides insecurity caused by the inter-clan conflict, the LRA remain another source of insecurity to our communities in Western Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria states. We took an initiative to facilitate the peace negotiation between the Government of Uganda and the LRA with the hope that these peace talks would yield fruits that could result in bringing peace and stability to our people in Southern Sudan, northern Uganda and the region at large. It is now almost three years, since the Uganda/LRA peace talks began in 2006, but to date, we are regrettably still receiving reports of the LRA atrocities including abductions of women and children and killing of our innocent citizens. During my closing remarks at the 6th, Governors’ Forum I urged the esteemed Special Envoy for LRA affected areas, former President of Mozambique H.E. Chisssano, and the Chief Negotiator of the Uganda/LRA talks, Dr. Riek Machar the Vice President of the Government of Southern Sudan to urgently provide us with a definitive conclusion to these protracted peace talks, so that we explore other options.

CPA Implementation:

Hon. Speaker, and the House,

The implementation of CPA remains our top priority. Based on the Mid-term Review of CPA implementation, the report from Assessment Evaluation Commission (AEC) shows a significant progress on the CPA implementation has been made. Despite such progress, the demarcation of the North-South border is not yet finalized. Abyei Road Map is gradually being implemented and its administration has at last been established while SAF forces are yet to be redeployed outside the area. After relative peace in Abyei area, the displaced population is gradually returning back to their home areas with support only from the UN agencies, NGOs and GoSS. The general elections expected to be conducted in 2009 face enormous challenges that will require considerable political will and determination to overcome these challenges. The National Elections Commission is to be formed and its higher committees at the level of Southern Sudan and states are to be established and staffed. As the results of the population census may be released by the end of this year, the allocation of seats will only be determined by early next year if we agreed on the census results.

In order to have good and fair elections, the registration of voters and their education and the monitoring of the entire elections process will effectively start after the formation of the Commission. We need to work harder to make the next general elections to produce acceptable and credible results. The conduct of the general elections is not only a constitutional obligation but it is the essence of CPA and basis for democratic transformation. We must have good elections rather than bad elections that will only produce conflict, division, bloodshed and loss of innocent lives. We must avoid what happened in the region and we should not allow our people to fight over the results of elections.

Peace Dividends and Government Performance

Hon. Speaker and Members of the House,

There has been much progress during 2008 in the provision of services to our people. Although the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning will provide you with detailed progress during 2008, I would like to share with you some few achievements. In terms of infrastructural development, I commend the work of Ministry of Roads and Transport and our development partners as major progress has realized not only in Juba but in our rural areas. During my visit to states, I have opened various bridges and launched the construction of new roads.

The governments of states with support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, our development partners and NGOs have built so many new schools and that resulted in considerable increase in enrolment in primary schools. The GoSS has availed adequate resources to Ministry of Education, Science and Technology expedite the return of our universities to Southern Sudan. We have recently established John Garang Institute of Science and Technology and we hope that it will be fully operational in the next few years.

The access to health services has considerably increased during this year. The state governments with support of our development partners and NGOs have managed to build new health facilities. The heath status of women is still a real challenge as Southern Sudan has the worst level of maternal mortality in the world. The Ministry of Health needs to scale up its operations and to focus on improving the health conditions of women.

Our Ministry of Energy and Mining and in collaboration with Southern Sudan Electricity Corporation has started this year with a comprehensive electrification of the main capitals of our states. I commend their work and I hope we can achieve our goal of rural electrification as a basis for the economic empowerment of our rural communities. The issue of energy is a global challenge and we are confident that our Ministry will make best use of other renewable and abundant sources of energy such as wind and solar power for our rural population.

The Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resources Development has embarked on a successful public service reform that is now producing encouraging results. This is the heart of fighting corruption and I commend the work of the Ministry and we should all support and encourage its programmes, particularly public service reform that we launched during Governors’ Forum.

Ministry of Regional Cooperation has successfully promoted and improved our relations with various countries and international communities. We have now more than 15 consulate generals in Juba and we have opened our liaison offices in more than 10 countries. The Ministry of Regional Cooperation and National Ministry of Foreign Affairs have signed MoU that provides a framework for coordination of the work of our liaison offices with Sudanese embassies in foreign countries. The continued support of international community to our post-conflict construction and development efforts is a result the role played by our Ministry of Regional Cooperation.

At the state level, the meeting of the 6th Governors proved beyond any doubt the capacity of our states is developing rapidly. Besides the grants transferred to them by GoSS, the states have genuinely started to mobilize their own resources for their own development projects. I would recommend to the august House to interact regularly with our state governors so as to share their achievements and challenges facing them in their states. My Office in collaboration with Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs will assist and facilitate your interaction with states.

Decentralization and Devolution of Powers

Hon. Speaker and the House

The best way through which we can make services easily accessible to our people is through decentralization and devolution of powers to the lowest level of government that is closest to the people. Decentralization is not only a constitutional and CPA obligation but it is a policy framework with which we can address the root causes of war and marginalization. We must take most of Juba to rural areas.

In order to operationalize and make decentralization work, we have come up, in the 6th Governors’ Forum, with specific recommendations. On the top of these recommendations is to refine our vision that will guide decentralization and other strategic policy commitments and reforms such as public service reform.

As we have declared 2009 as year of decentralization, it is recommended that our Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning not only to allocate most resources to states but also to local government in the 2009 budget. Besides allocation of more resources to states and local government, a set of legislations in local government, taxes and revenues, public audit, civil service, anti-corruption, public financial management and public grievances are recommended to be enacted during 2009.Once again I would like to take this opportunity at this occasion of opening the 2nd session of this august House to restate that the year 2009 is indeed the year of Decentralization. For its success our collective efforts are called upon to partake in this noble task, which is all about change for the betterment of the lives of our people.

Hon. Speaker, Members of the House,

We, as Southerners, are facing enormous challenges ahead of us. These challenges include the declaration of population census results, ICC decision, CPA implementation, national reconciliation and healing process, report on the North-South demarcation, conduct of the national elections and conduct of referendum. In addressing these challenges, we as Southerners require strategic decisions and collective choices.

While we will attempting to individually address these challenges, all political forces in Southern Sudan may need to come up with a political understanding that provides minimum agreement on key issues as basis for our unity of purpose. With this unity of purpose and in the process of achieving it, the division along party line will cease to exist and the overall interest of people of Southern Sudan will prevail.

We as all political forces (big or small, regional or national) we need each others more than any other times before. The challenges ahead of us are real and enormous and if we do not stand together we will the risk of being overwhelmed. We must collectively protect at any cost the interests of our people.

As the representatives of the people, it is your noble duty to carry out this task of nurturing and forging a genuine sense unity among our communities. We must together now to have a better and united Southern Sudan and I am confident that we will make it a reality.

With this few words, Hon. Speaker and Hon. Members, I wish you a fruitful and productive session in passing all the bills that will be brought before you starting with our 2009 budget.

I declare your august House opened,

Thank you, God Bless you!

President Kiir address on the Sixth Governors' Forum

H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir is Addressing the 6th Governors Forum at the

GOSS Legislative Assembly in Juba.

"Speech of H. E. Gen. Kiir on the Opening Session of the Sixth Governors' Forum"

Monday, September 29, 2008

President Kiir Addresses the 6th Governors' Forum

H. E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit,

First Vice President of the Republic, President Government of Southern Sudan, Key Note Address at the 6th, Governors Forum

h. e. Gen. Salva Kiir mayardit

Juba, 29th, September 2008

ØDr. Riek Machar Teny

Vice President Government of Southern Sudan

ØPresidential Advisors, Government of Southern Sudan

ØMajor Gen. Clement Wani Konga

ØGovernor, Central Equatoria State

ØGOSS and State Ministers

ØMembers of Diplomatic Missions

ØRepresentatives of Kenyan Ministry of Public Service

ØUnited Nations Development Agencies/World Bank

ØChairpersons of the Specialized Committees in the

ØSouthern Sudan Legislative Assembly

Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this Forum, and want to thank you sincerely for having taken time from your busy schedules to come and join us on this special day. We consider the Forum as a special occasion because it gives us an opportunity to reflect every year on the achievements we have made and challenges we have faced in our efforts to reconstruct our beloved country. In the process we are also able to develop strategies for further improvement.

May I also on behalf of the other religious faiths in our country, seize this greater opportunity to congratulate all our Muslim brothers and sisters throughout our great nation for their successful conclusion of the Holy Month of the Ramadan, and wish them, Happy and peaceful Celebrations.

Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The reconstruction process of the Government of Southern Sudan should ultimately make us one of model countries in Africa if not the whole world in the shortest time possible. This is because we do not have to reinvent the wheel when we already have best practices all around us to copy from. However, to achieve this we need clarity of vision; leadership commitment and passion for change; pivotal role of the government institutions; and the understanding and support of our people. We would also need the support of our brothers and sisters in Africa; friends in the international community at large and the development partners who have always supported us and have promised to continue supporting us in our development efforts.

As a nation we have a vision. However, we need to articulate it clearly and document it so that it can guide and inspire all aspects of our development. Given this urgent need for a clearly articulated vision, I direct that a committee be formed within my Office to refine our national vision through consultation with all the leadership and our citizens. The leadership of a nation plays primary and vital role in mobilizing its citizens to support and contribute to the delivery of the national vision.

It must demonstrate commitment to and have passion for the change that would deliver the vision. Leadership in this context does not only refer to political leadership, but leadership at all levels of the society, although the political leadership has to be in the forefront. This is what is expected of the leadership in our endeavor to reconstruct this nation.

Government institutions play a key role in the transformation of a nation because they are expected to make the socio-economic and political environment attractive for the private sector to participate in and contribute to the development of the nation. They are also expected to provide essential public services like education, health, water, power and so on. But they can only play this role satisfactorily if they are efficient and effective, which is not the case with our government institutions at the moment. It is therefore imperative that we introduce an aggressive reform of the public institutions to make them play their roles efficiently and effectively.

Hence, to-day is the official launching date of the introduction of Public Service Reforms in the public service of the Southern Sudan. With this launch, I expect every government ministry and other public institutions under them to immediately embark on reforming their institutions in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Labor, Public Service and Human Resources Development, copies of which will be distributed to all ministries, parastatals and states. It is only when we are efficient and effective in what we do as government, we can be able to lead the nation to deliver on our vision and be a model among the models of the world.

It is a common knowledge that reform is always resisted. This is inevitable because it challenges the status quo and destabilizes the comfort zones of the few individuals in the system. Those few individuals, whose comfort zones shall be affected, will try to resist the changes being introduced but I want to remind us all that this nation is bigger than any one of us, so we must by all means ensure that we sacrifice our individual interests for the benefit of the country. This has been the theme of our struggle, which we must cherish and defend at all times. To ensure that the reforms we have launched succeed:

·There must be clearly articulated national vision, which is understood and internalized by every citizen of this country;

·All leaders at all levels must educate the people under them to appreciate the need for change and contribute constructively in their reform programmes;

·All the public servants must innovatively contribute to the reforms in their institutions and make them model institutions in terms of performance;

·Both public and private media must undertake mass education on the importance of reform and its implication on the future of this country; and

·Citizens of this country must at all times demand the best services from the public institutions and raise alarm where service standards fall short of expectations.

The theme of our Forum today is: “OperationalizingDecentralization for Effective CPA Implementation”. This is an aspect of the wider reform, which is meant to ensure that government services reach the people and to be in line with our philosophy of taking town to the people. Already we have identified functions at the Government of Southern Sudan level which must be decentralized to the states and it is upon the leadership of the ministries concerned to ensure that this is done as soon as possible.

The states are also expected as part of their reform programme, to decentralize further to the counties. For the decentralization to succeed, the leadership of the institutions concerned must appreciate the role of decentralization in the development of this nation. In addition, the states and the counties must have the capacity to undertake the decentralized functions. This implies that:

ØCommensurate level of fiscal decentralization must be done to the state and county levels by the GOSS Ministry of Finance and Economic Development ; and

ØMinistry of Labor, Public Service and Human Resources Development must ensure that decentralized functions go with the staff that performed them at the GOSS level. It must also ensure that states and counties have adequate and skilled staff to perform the decentralized functions.

In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to state here that the rest of the world is racing ahead of us and we have a challenge to keep pace with it and the only way is through the reform we have just launched to-day, so keep focused. With these few remarks, I declare the 6th, Governors Forum opened.

I wish you fruitful deliberations during the course of the forum, and look forward to receiving your recommendations and resolutions.